The King leads nation in silence on Remembrance Sunday

Members of the Royal Family and high-ranking government officials will place wreaths during the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London. Additionally, 10,000 veterans will march by the Cenotaph to pay their respects as part of the Royal British Legion’s Veteran Parade.

The King will take charge of the UK's annual two-minute silence during the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, honoring those who have lost their lives and endured hardships in times of war.

The King will be accompanied by other members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, high-ranking politicians, and leaders from various faith communities to commemorate the Armistice of World War I and remember all conflicts involving British and Commonwealth troops.

Around 10,000 people are anticipated to gather along Whitehall in London to observe the annual two-minute silence at the Cenotaph and to witness the veterans parade hosted by The Royal British Legion. This year, 326 different military and civilian organizations will participate in the march. Participants will include individuals of all ages, from children who have lost parents and are part of Scotty's Little Soldiers to D-Day veterans with the Spirit of Normandy Trust.

Defence Minister Al Carns OBE MC, who oversees matters related to veterans and the broader Armed Forces community, will march by the Cenotaph as a member of the Royal Marines Association. The Afghanistan veteran wrapped up his military career in May.

In 2024, we will commemorate several significant anniversaries: it's the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II, the 25th anniversary of the conclusion of the Kosovo conflict, and the 75th anniversary of NATO's founding, as well as the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale. Additionally, we will celebrate the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, which together signify the end of World War II in Europe and the Far East, respectively.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented:

This weekend, we gather to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the safety of our nation. The liberties we cherish today—our democratic system, our principles, and our way of living—have been earned through the struggles of many over the years. We will always be grateful to the courageous individuals who stood up to protect our country and gave everything in the process.

We pay tribute to them today and every day. They are in our thoughts today and at all times.

As we reflect on this, we also remember those currently serving our nation, frequently stationed far from home and putting themselves at risk so that we can rest peacefully at night.

This weekend, we come together as a nation to honor and express our deep appreciation for the bravery and sacrifices of countless individuals throughout the years.

The Secretary of Culture, Lisa Nandy, expressed:

On Remembrance Sunday, we take a moment as a nation to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. We reflect on the bravery of those who faced immense challenges and helped shape the world we know today. Every generation has a responsibility to remember those who fought and did not return, and it is our obligation to keep their sacrifices alive in our memory.

It is a great honor and a personal privilege to serve as the representative for Wigan, a constituency filled with many veterans and their families who exemplify the finest qualities of our society. Today, we unite as a community, sharing both sorrow and appreciation, and we reflect on the principles of freedom, justice, and equality. These values are not merely remnants of our history; they are the ongoing challenges we confront today and the foundation upon which we must build for tomorrow.

Defense Secretary John Healey, Member of Parliament, stated that:

On Remembrance Sunday, we come together to show our support for the Armed Forces community and pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for our liberty.

We reflect on the brave individuals who fought for freedom in Europe on D-Day, 80 years ago. We also honor the memory of those who gave their lives for our nation in wars both past and present.

During the Remembrance weekend, we will listen to impactful stories from our veterans and their families. It's important that we teach future generations about their bravery and dedication to protecting Britain.

We want to express our gratitude to everyone currently serving, those who have previously served, and their families. For those we have lost, we will honor and remember them.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the Chief of Defence Staff, stated that:

Remembrance Sunday is a time when the whole nation comes together to honor and remember those who lost their lives for our freedom. It's also a chance for each of us to reflect personally on their sacrifices.

In addition to the Cenotaph, this day will be observed in communities throughout the United Kingdom and in every corner of the globe where our soldiers, sailors, and airmen are serving their nation. We will honor their memory.

Philippa Rawlinson, who oversees Remembrance at the Royal British Legion, stated:

This year commemorates significant milestones: it has been 80 years since the battles of 1944, 25 years since the conclusion of the Kosovo conflict, and a decade since British troops completed their missions in Afghanistan. During this time of remembrance, people from various backgrounds, communities, and generations come together to honor the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces, both past and present.

Whether it's putting themselves in danger in combat zones, being away from loved ones, or offering aid during crises and humanitarian emergencies, those who serve in the Armed Forces deserve our heartfelt thanks. This weekend, we invite everyone to pause and honor their contributions and sacrifices.

Over 800 members from the navy, army, and air force will be on duty for Remembrance Sunday. They will represent their respective branches at the Cenotaph and participate in memorial services at Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral.

The UK Armed Forces keep alive the tradition of those who came before them by dedicating their efforts throughout the year to ensure the safety of the UK and maintain stability worldwide. While the nation commemorates those who have lost their lives, British troops stationed around the globe are actively defending NATO's eastern borders against potential dangers, tackling risks to international shipping in some of the world's most trafficked waterways, and training numerous Ukrainian soldiers in essential combat skills necessary for their defense.

Extra staff are also ready in Cyprus to help ease tensions in the Middle East. Overall, nearly 6,000 personnel will be engaged in missions and stationed at bases worldwide on Remembrance Sunday.

If you can't make it to London for the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph or attend a local Remembrance Sunday event, you can watch the national ceremony live on BBC and Sky News.

Comprehensive notes on media commentary can be obtained from the press office at DCMS.

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